5 min read
Self-Hosting vs Managed CMS: The True Cost Comparison
Self-hosting sounds free but has hidden costs. Managed CMS is convenient but expensive. Here is the honest math.
R
ruben
The Self-Hosting Myth
"Self-hosting is free" is technically true and practically misleading. The CMS software is free, but you need a server, SSL, backups, monitoring, updates, and someone to manage it all.
True Cost Breakdown
Self-Hosted CMS (e.g., RankFlo on Hetzner)
| Cost | Monthly |
|---|---|
| VPS (4GB RAM, 2 vCPU) | $8-20 |
| Domain + SSL | $1 |
| Backups (S3/R2) | $1-5 |
| Monitoring (free tiers) | $0 |
| Developer time (1-2 hrs/mo) | $50-100 |
| Total | $60-125/mo |
Managed CMS (e.g., Contentful Team)
| Cost | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Platform fee | $300+ |
| No server management | $0 |
| No maintenance time | $0 |
| Total | $300+/mo |
When Self-Hosting Wins
- You have a developer who can manage infrastructure
- You want full data ownership and control
- You are cost-sensitive and willing to invest time
- You need customization beyond what managed platforms offer
When Managed Wins
- You have no developer resources
- Uptime SLAs matter more than cost
- You need enterprise compliance certifications
- You value time over money